Re: Cell Membrane staining

From:

Geoff McAuliffe

Well, the cell membrane and the nuclear membrane (nuclear envelope) are
quite similar in basic composition. However, there are proteins and carbohydrates
in the cell membrane that are not found in the nuclear membrane. Since the
cell membrane is too small to be resloved by the light microscope you will
need a label (fluorescent or otherwise) to attach to the molecule that will
bind to whatever you are using to mark the cell membrane. An (labeled) antibody
to a cell membrane protein would work, or a (labeled) lectin that reacts
with a carbohydrate in the cell membrane.
I would call or e-mail the usual vendors to see what they have to offer
or get a copy of Molecular Biology of the Cell (4th edition) by Alberts
et al. and read up on membranes.

Geoff

Jenny Molde wrote:

Hi
I was wondering if anyone can help me find a stain that stains only the
cell membrane and not the nucleus. Many thanks in advance.